FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-67/14

Title and Subtitle: An evaluation of potential decompression hazards in small pressurized aircraft.

Report Date: June 1967

Authors: Swearingen JJ.

Abstract: Over 300 decompression tests were conducted to determine potential hazards of ejection or incapacitating or fatal head injuries in small volume pressurized aircraft in the event of sudden decompression following the loss of a window, emergency exit, door or windshield.

Evaluations were made to determine the relationships of cabin volume (100 to 700 cu. ft.), window area (100 to 900 sq. in.), pressure differential (5 to 9 psi), body weight and size (13 to 180 lbs.) and relative distance from the opening in terms of ejection and head impact injuries. Summary graphs and charts are presented showing which test configurations resulted in ejections or dangerous head impacts.

Key Words: aviation accidents, ejection, hazards, crash injuries, impact shock, aviation safety, civil aviation, head (anatomy), wounds and injuries, decompression.

No. of Pages: 12